Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Bethesda

Nestled in the heart of Bethesda's charming downtown district, Mon Ami Gabi is a classic French bistro serving the best in modern and traditional fare. Wooden shelves, ornate wine racks, and small cozy tables adorned with crisp white tablecloths create an air of sophistication and warmth. The food is equally as impressive. Before the meal even begins, guests are greeted by a toasty baguette and service fit for a five-star Parisian bistro. Their signature appetizers, escargot and oysters au gratin, are definitely worth a try. Mon Ami Gabi’s specialty, Steak Frites, is another crowd-pleaser, keeping guests happy by matching top-quality steaks with crispy French fries. This is a great place to enjoy a sumptuous lingering meal. - Zoe Pagonis

What once stood as the historic Bethesda Theater in 1938 has now been transformed into suave live music supper club. Still carrying the glory of the yesteryear, Bethesda Blues and Jazz houses a small concert hall that serves brilliant continental fare. While 300 seats are ticketed as dinner seats, there are an additional 200 performance seats made available later. Come and enjoy this acoustically enhanced wonder on a fine evening.

Praline Bakery & Bistro is a fine place that offers grubs for any ages and tastes since April 2006. The ambiance is cool and casual to hang out at. The bakery has a fantastic variety of macaroons, pistachio chocolate croissant, coffees, cakes and pastries. The delectable French cuisine is much appreciated for a good meal, at any time of the day. Private parties and gathering are accommodated in the restaurant too for memorable moments. Call ahead for more details, or check out their website.

1789 Restaurant, a formal, elegant restaurant in Georgetown, is a Washington favorite. Its Federal-era architecture is nicely accentuated by burning fireplaces and classic linen-and-silver table settings. A wide range of New American entrees are featured on the menu. There are fine vegetarian offerings as well as non-vegetarian delicacies like hanger steak and grill rack of lamb. The desserts here are similarly divine.

Lyon Hall is a quintessential neighborhood brasserie in Arlington. It features an unrivaled beer list with over 20 on tap and over 50 bottled brews on offer. Enjoy a chilled pint with delectable bar fare. German and French classics dominate the menu with the likes of pretzels and steak frites. A packed house and energetic vibes during their weekend brunch reveals its local favorite status.

Capitol Hill's critically-acclaimed Charlie Palmer Steak is a sophisticated restaurant and lounge along the world-famous National Mall. Here you'll find only the finest cuts of artisan meats, game, fish and fowl, prepared in Chef Charlie Palmer's progressive American style. This is the place to see and be seen. If you are a wine connoisseur, scroll through their 10,000 American wines on an eWinebook while three sommeliers are on hand for consultation. The restaurant also has three private dining rooms and a rooftop terrace for events for up to 400 guests, with spectacular views of the Capitol.